The coming of next generation consoles is almost certainly going to kill off a number of today's sicklier series, and the below list of franchises and subfranchises I'd like publishers to bring back is thus almost entirely born of crippling denial. But a man can dream, particularly when he's working over the weekend. Add your own willfully unrealistic next gen revival proposals in the comments.
Star Wars: Republic Commando
An entry that springs in part, I must admit, from my disappointment that the forthcoming Aliens: Colonial Marines is not, in fact, "Brothers in Arms in space" - a vision I've been carrying a candle for since prototype screens hinted at the presence of marine classes. Fortunately, gaming already has a "Brothers in Arms in space". LucasArts' Republic Commando is a well-realised and (for the time) beautiful brainy shooter let down only by heavy enemy spawning and insubstantial multiplayer.
Given the announcement of a brand new film trilogy, it hardly seems inappropriate to clamour for more Star Wars videogames besides Star Wars 1313. A Republic Commando sequel could learn a few tricks about convincing in-game hardware from Dead Space, while fattening out the context-sensitive command system into something that can support proper tactical conundrums, in the vein of Full Spectrum Warrior.
Viva Pinata
The core principles of Rare's delightfully crafted animal husbandry sandbox were looking a bit played out by the launch of Trouble in Paradise. New breeds of exquisite papier-mache wildlife to pamper, an array of new biomes to populate, and an expanded co-op mode are not-insignificant additions to the line-up, but the sequel is ultimately an exercise in preaching to the faithful - and when you're a console strategy game that looks like something Bagpuss threw up, the last thing you want to do is deepen your niche.
The franchise was once the spear-tip of Microsoft's assault on Nintendo's audience and kiddy entertainment at large - the publisher partnered with Bardel Entertainment to produce a spin-off TV series across 2006-2009 - but market changes put paid to that gambit: today's "kiddies" get their kicks from the unending media buffet proffered by smartphones and browsers, not boxed sims.
61 comments so far...
Dobs on 3 Feb '13 said:
This may betray my age, but I'd like to see a 720 return to the original Castle Wolfenstein, a PC game to which I dedicated many harrowing hours as a kid, stealthily planting an activated time bomb next to the meeting chamber of Adolph Hitler. That grand premise and the epic peril of such a mission, set within a Nazi patrolled fortress, provided more suspense than most shmups today ever could. It's one thing to run around killing faceless Nazis or generic soldiers, using automatic weapons and supernatural powers, quite another to go alone after Hitler himself, with only your wits and a revolver.
OXM ETboy on 3 Feb '13 said:
I've got a feeling you might like Metro 2033, Dobs - it's another linear shooter with the odd irritating survive-endless-waves sequence, but there are more open areas where you can choose a playstyle, the world is brilliantly detailed (if stupidly accented) and the weapons/gadgets are all broken in an appealing, authentic kind of way. There's a pneumatic sniper rifle you have to hand-crank, for instance.
Plamsa wing on 3 Feb '13 said:
Aside from Condemned which I've not played, I agree with all the games on this list, it's not very often that happens I tell you.
Republic Commando ended on bit of a cliff hanger from what I can remember. I would rather another Battlefront first though.
Wouldn't mind another KotR either, not some piss poor MMORPG.
As I've mentioned before, I'd bloody love a Viva Pinata that used the Kinect, done right mind. It has alot of potential on those types of genres, just hope they realise that sooner, rather than later. Don't agree with the use of micro-transactions, really don't like the sound of them when used on a fully paid game.
Shame on you Ed for suggesting that.
I'd like another Kameo and Banjo Kazooie too.
Edit: Missed Conker and Jade Empire at the bottom there, still waiting for an XBLA Conker, probably never happen but I hope it does. With EA in tow, I'm not sure I'd like another Jade Empire. We'll see how good Dragon Age 3 is first though.
Grummy on 3 Feb '13 said:
Hell yes Viva Pinata and Crackdown. HELL YES.
I'd also like some new Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance games, a new Killer Instinct and though it will never happen, a new Dungeon Keeper. As a super outside shout, how about a new Dizzy game?
ChillieBonBon on 3 Feb '13 said:
Another Turok might be welcome because they could actually make it good this time. Also, a remake of Halo 2 as they would be able to do what they did with combat evolved.
Clanger67 on 3 Feb '13 said:
Yeah def. another Condemned one of my fave games on the 360.Don't make it like two though,which probably means starting again with a new character etc.Certainly a very atmospheric game and sets itself apart quite a bit from anything else without loads of endless shooting.
Metalrodent on 3 Feb '13 said:
Agreed about Star Wars Republic Commando, the first was a great dark (and suprisingly nasty) shooter with actual working squad mechanics and genuinly fun gunplay. Battlefront 3 would be great also, especially seeing as how they'd completed so much when it got cancelled.
Yeah that would be good, Aniversary was good and I still have a soft spot for Halo 2, being my first and having the dual stories campaign mode. (and the New Mobassa levels would look so epic in HD)
jimbosolo on 3 Feb '13 said:
Halo 2 has already been remade for PC, and with achievements and support for x360 controller
Tom Friedlander on 3 Feb '13 said:
Why isn't a Call of Duty 4 remake on the list? I'll pretend that it disappeared somehow.
Xbox11 on 3 Feb '13 said:
Crackdown 3 ? Without a doubt could be an amazing game , I really think its unlikely it will ever happen , The original devs are no longer with us , And the ones who made that awful sequel shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the game. Also as for KOTOR 3 I would give my right hand for , It wasn't mentioned in the article but somebody said about it and i agree
Bezza89 on 3 Feb '13 said:
Battlefront 3. KotoR. You've shat on my dreams of this by reminding me there's 3 new films, which means instead we'll get tie-ins, which are always rubbish.
Half Life 3 would be nice, might shake up the FPS scene, which is always good.
Eviltiger on 3 Feb '13 said:
You want to resurrect the great for the 720? How about....
Stubs the zombie. Just great fun game not many games allow you to create your own army of zombies.
Bards Tale. A decent RPG about coin cleavage and cleavage....Enough said. I loved having my summoners solve the puzzles for me and the narration was spot on.
Theme Hospital - How much fun would it be to cure bloaty head syndrome again in HD. You could do so much more with this game now. New disease, operations and game play.
Zoo Tycoon 3 - My quilty wee pleasure ok not officially an xbox title but it is something i have been waiting for for years. Imagine all the money they can make with dlc? Endangered species dlc, marine life dlc, etc (BIG HINT MICROSOFT)
Overlord - like pikman but for adults....well at least thats what I tell myself.
Dungeon keeper- I know not an xbox but why the hell not. Its been almost 20 years now. Revival is required.
Vampie: Masquerade - a truly dark rpg none of this twilight rubbish
And many more to be added to my list
Plamsa wing on 3 Feb '13 said:
Oooh you sexy beasts... the games not you Grummy.
Speaking of IPs, I smell a Prey 2 announcement coming up soon:
http://www.aliennoire.com/
Also looking through the source code, the words "Tommy needs your help" near the bottom is pointing towards something Prey related anyway.
msbhvn on 3 Feb '13 said:
Ever since I first played Castlevania Lords of Shadow, I've been wanting a Legacy of Kain/Soul Reaver reboot in the same vein. Silicon Knights' recent legal woes might lead to Crystal Dynamics buying the rights that SK hold and becoming the sole owners of the Legacy of Kain series.
I've been replaying the LoK series since Soul Reaver 1, 2 and Defiance were released on Steam and the plot became quite tortured by the end. Starting again with a clearer vision and better gameplay, possibly hiring some of the former Vigil Games employees, would help. You can't deny how much Darksiders 2 felt like a Soul Reaver game, it's just a shame the story was barely there.
I'm very vocal about my dislike for and disappointment in Condemned 2, after the first game being so fantastic, but I'd love to see something similar. It's a shame all the established horror franchises have been watered down this gen, because there's nothing like the uneasy feeling of exploring an abandoned department store full of psychos dressed as mannequins with nothing but a plank of wood for protection.
kevicus12 on 3 Feb '13 said:
A massive YES to Crackdown. Loved the original, but the sequel seemed to miss the point entirely. Based on this article, I might just go hunt down a copy of Condemned as it sounds like my sort of game.
Also, Eviltiger mentioned Vampire: Masquerade - I LOVED that game!
PonderingWalrus on 3 Feb '13 said:
TimeSplitters. TimeSplitters. TimeSplitters. TimeSplitters. TimeSplitters.
That is all....
Oh wait, no... I'll also have Battlefront 3 and Crackdown 3 while you're at it.
Emanuel Fahngon on 3 Feb '13 said:
Bring back, 'Black' and 'Manhunt'
Emanuel Fahngon on 3 Feb '13 said:
Agreed, a quality game and one of very, very few flight sims I have purchased/played
Metalrodent on 3 Feb '13 said:
erm what? Its a modern hd game that doesn't need a remake - its still better than the new CoDs
SidTheSloth on 3 Feb '13 said:
I've said it a million times on this site, and with the recently released sonic racers maybe there's not quite the demand anymore, but for the love of god Codies, please do a new Micro Machines?
Tenchu & Onimusha would be my other calls, but if you just gave me a new Crackdown, Viva P, Kotor & Battlefront i suppose I'd be happy?
Dubiel on 3 Feb '13 said:
Silicon Knights don't hold any rights to Legacy of Kain. They haven't since 1998 (some proof from an old SK employee at the bottom of this page). Crystal Dynamics/Square Enix already have control over the LoK series in its entirety... literally the only aspect that is known to be troublesome is the PC port of Blood Omen, where Activision is involved.
There is nothing stopping Square from doing something new with this series, it's just a matter of them wanting to do it.
PonderingWalrus on 3 Feb '13 said:
The awkward moment when somebody already wants a remake of a game that's only 5 years old.
msbhvn on 3 Feb '13 said:
I could have sworn I read somewhere that the rights situation was murky and that was what was preventing there being a new game. It was around the time they did the Kain and Raziel skins for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, someone at Crystal Dynamics said they'd love to do another LoK game, but they couldn't.
Here's hoping that Tomb Raider tanks, Square give Tomb Raider to another studio and CD can make an LoK reboot.
Dubiel on 3 Feb '13 said:
I can't say I've ever seen that statement, but I may have missed it. I believe it might just be a weird misconception from somebody misreading Wikipedia or the like, because I have seen them constantly say that they are able to revive the series and might do so someday. Here is a very recent link to one of the guys who has worked on Tomb Raider and Agni's Philosophy saying he is a big fan of LoK and wants to see Crystal Dynamics doing another game eventually.
I would personally almost prefer it if Eidos Montreal were handed the reins to the series, given how Tomb Raider looks to be turning out. Next to nobody from the Legacy of Kain days is currently working at Crystal Dynamics anyway.
Xbox11 on 4 Feb '13 said:
Tenchu Ohh god I forgot about that , Was a wicked game.
Definitely agree Sid, I already told Codemasters on their forums along with someone else years ago, If they want to make a ton of money without having to spend a fortune , Make a proper HD Version of MicroMachines Turbo Tournament, Best party game ever with my mates , Done the right way on XBLA It would sell in the bucket loads , But it just seems they are convinced we all need another DIRT Game to replace the last not so great DIRT Game, For the love of god , Listen to fans and make a new MicroMachines.
OXM ETboy on 4 Feb '13 said:
Apologies to RedBelmont - I've had to delete his post because apparently his profile pic's from a malware site, and Chrome keeps blocking the page as a consequence. Messaging the technical team as we speak.
FishyGinger on 4 Feb '13 said:
ahhhhhhhh that's what it was. I was wondering why oxm had suddenly become a malware haven, you naughty naughty scamps.
And why would you want call of duty 4 remade when call of duty 4.3 is out this november, madness says I.
That_Shooty_Look on 4 Feb '13 said:
I'm gonna be honest, I want to see a good Spyro platformer. Bouncing around a world on an unexpected adventure and collecting insane amounts of gems, just to pay a fat teddy bear to use a bridge... Those little things hooked a generation on our favourite purple dragon, and i'd happily pay to see it visually improved.
Preferably Spyro 2, playing through it for like the 6th time.
ridinglikesatan on 4 Feb '13 said:
I just though, imagine giving the level design of Legacy of Kain to the level designers of DMC, I just feel like that would be a beautiful combination
OXM ETboy on 4 Feb '13 said:
Much obliged to you for that link, Dubiel. As it happens, I'm trying to research a massive Legacy of Kain retrospective right now - looking to interview SK people about how they'd have taken the series forward if given the chance, and CD/ex-CD people about the process of turning the "Shifter" project into Soul Reaver. Also planning to investigate The Dark Prophecy (cancelled LoK sequel).
If any of you hardcore Kain fanboys have any suggestions, fire away.
Metalrodent on 4 Feb '13 said:
Please do give more information, I have not heard of anything new for CoD4
FishyGinger on 4 Feb '13 said:
Is the next one not modern warfare 4? My apologies.
Dubiel on 4 Feb '13 said:
Sure. That sounds like a very admirable (and very tough) project! Please get in touch at dubiel.lokwiki@gmail.com and I'll be more than happy to pass on a big bunch of interesting and obscure links, details and things. I am not sure how hardcore this makes me, but I help run the LoK wiki, and we know probably everything there is to say about those projects that's in the public domain, so I'm sure there's something we can help out with to inform your retrospective.
CunningSmile on 4 Feb '13 said:
Do the following from my list even need mentioning: koToR, Viva Pinata, Condemned, Bully etc. Of course several of these will require the developer to do a 180 turn and go back to former glories rather than EA watered down-ness (mentioning no names)
To whoever asked for Conker on the 360, Live and Reloaded is backwards compatible and can be picked up fairly cheaply. It's basically an update with better graphics and a few new levels with newer (for the time) pop culture references. Worth checking out if you haven't played it, it was a last days of the old box release so got lost in the shuffle.
And yes, yes, a million times yes to the suggestion of a Vampire The Masquarade RPG reboot. Bloodlines was a brilliant (if buggy) game.
FishyGinger on 4 Feb '13 said:
Still not got round to vampires....
OXM ETboy on 4 Feb '13 said:
Might take up you up on that offer, Dubiel - thanks. Still fairly early days on that front, though...
Also, I can't believe I forgot to mention Oddworld in this feature. ODDWORLD.
Plamsa wing on 4 Feb '13 said:
Last time I heard, Microsoft apparently doesn't want it.
Someone should start a petition and send it around, it's likley it'll never work, but worth a try.
Think were still getting New N' Tasty though.
terry cheyne on 4 Feb '13 said:
call of duty 2
it's the best call of duty by a mile leave it the same only improve the graphics
Nights and burning rangers and finally
SHEN MUE
OXM ETboy on 4 Feb '13 said:
Microsoft will want what I tell it to want. I wear the trousers in this relationship.
OXM ETboy on 4 Feb '13 said:
Incidentally, while we're talking Legacy of Kain - Simon Templeman is the voice of the Big Bad in Dead Space 3. Just thought you all should know...
Ninja Squirrel on 4 Feb '13 said:
How about Colony Wars? That was an epic space shooter
Dubiel on 4 Feb '13 said:
OK, well I'm always available and more than happy to help with something like that if I can. Let us know once it gets down to business.
By the way - we have long had a theory that Eternal Darkness is, conceptually, what happened to Silicon Knights' ideas for their Blood Omen 2 (there was a "teaser" in BO1 concerning a dark tome and an esoteric god...).
Metalrodent on 4 Feb '13 said:
aaaw I'm disappointed now, i thought you meant an actual update to CoD4 was coming out
while i love that game i'm not even sure it needs updating, graphics are still ok (not far off the current CoD graphical levels) and it still has a base of online players for it.
FishyGinger on 5 Feb '13 said:
Nah, the MW games seem to be on a steady downhill spiral despite being much the same. Sadly it's a case of seeing how many more explosions they can fit in to top the last game, missing everything that made the first one good.
Reckons they should go back to ww2 or maybe another major war.
KernowDevil23 on 5 Feb '13 said:
Depending on how far back you want to go, Road Rash gets my vote.
SidTheSloth on 5 Feb '13 said:
Seconded. Or Destruction Derby if not!
ItchyRash on 5 Feb '13 said:
I'm going to have to go for all the regulars. KoToR, Battlefront, Timesplitters, Conker. Rare is surely an untapped goldmine unless a lot of the rights to classics like Donkey Kong are still held by Nintendo. A new Banjo game, either a sequel to the underrated Nut N Bolts or more classic version. I would give my left arm for new version of the Star Wars flight sims like X-Wing, X-Wing Vs. Tie Fighter and X-Wing Alliance but doubt we'll ever ever see games like them again
CunningSmile on 5 Feb '13 said:
I don't know about all of Rare's older stuff but I know a few of their really big name games we all remember fondly are tied up with Nintendo, who are going to do absolutely nothing with it as long as they can keep pumping out Mario games.
SidTheSloth on 5 Feb '13 said:
>sigh< All this talk about Rare and not one mention of Blast Corps! Such an amazing amazing game, proving sometimes the simplest of concepts are the best...
ItchyRash on 5 Feb '13 said:
Yeah, I figured Nintendo would be loathed to let Microsoft do anything with Donkey Kong.
Ah well, I'll continue to hold out hope for a new X-Wing game instead. Why are all the best games forgotten about.
KernowDevil23 on 5 Feb '13 said:
Speaking of Rare re-boots, Goldeneye should be done next!.....Oh, wait....my bad.
FishyGinger on 5 Feb '13 said:
Same, I've got rogue leader sat on the shelf at home for GC but could do with more. so yes I'd give your left arm for it. I'd even go as far as giving your right arm as well.
Shame Perfect Dark Zero turned out to be a bit cack.
ItchyRash on 5 Feb '13 said:
My arms are your's for the giving, provided I too would give my arms for what you're trading them in for. I was never much a fan of the Rogue Squadron type games though, so hands off my arms. I meant the really geeky, full on space fighter sims. X-Wing Alliance is one of my favourite games ever even if the first hour or so is spent picking up cargo containers in your rip-off millennium falcon. Don't think I would care as much about avenging my own familys deaths as I did about avenging my virtual familys.
Pompey78 on 5 Feb '13 said:
I remember a tank game on the PS1 Panzar tank??? that I thought was really good. I also like the look of some of the war strategy games yuo see on PC (isometric views) that i'd like to see more of on consoles.
LAO
a sequel to Enslaved ! great great game but nobody brought it so can't see that happening.
KOTOR update would be brilliant
PGR, a great 360 launch game I would like to see redone as IMO no other racing sim has come close to that, although xbox live chat was a much more open and friendly place back then.
something like cannon fodder re imagined, maybe in a art style like the walking dead series or borderlands. but with real meaning to loosing your squad.
OXM ETboy on 5 Feb '13 said:
Good to see the old space combat sim getting some love. I'm more of a Colony Wars man than an X-Wing man, myself. More Timesplitters would be nice too.
Very interesting. I'll be sure to ask about this, assuming anybody deigns to speak to me.
Metalrodent on 5 Feb '13 said:
someone mentioned the Rogue Squadron games - yes, someone buy the rights to them, they had some of the best graphics the gamecube ever produced and were just plain awesome (even if they were a little overhard for me lol). Taking the trench run in a Imperial Shuttle was just epic, as was the multiplayer where you could choose loads of awesome ships (Tie Interceptooooooooooor)
Grummy on 7 Feb '13 said:
Discworld. Kthanxbai.
Plamsa wing on 7 Feb '13 said:
Although it's as unlikley as Dungeon Keeper, can I give Populous a mention? I'd love that to happen one day.
SidTheSloth on 7 Feb '13 said:
Might want to check out Godus dude, made by 22 cans - Mr Molyneux's new studio, all funded via kickstarter...
Plamsa wing on 7 Feb '13 said:
Might keep an eye on that one.
Metalrodent on 8 Feb '13 said:
Burnout - as in a proper one, like 3 (Takedown) still one of the best racers ever in my opinion.
also a slighty odder choice but FEAR, but unlike 3 make it actually scary, bring back Alma, dont reduce her to a scared defensless endgame objective and dont comprimise it with coop (or at least make it a seperate campaign). The first was tense, scary and unnerving whereas 3 was just bombastic cover shooting leaving no time for atmosphere.